The Conference as Performance Art
January 12, 2012
Performance Art is a collaborative art form that came into favor in the 1960s and 1970s as a fusion of several artistic media; dance, music, video, painting, film, video, drama, and/or sculpture. As a performance presented to an audience, it can be either scripted or unscripted and include a variety of levels of audience participation. The action can be live or via media, or a mix of both.
Performance Art can be presented anywhere, in any venue or setting and for any length of time. It is never “the same old / same old” and often challenges the orthodox and cultural norms. Performance artists challenge audiences to think in new and unconventional ways. When it works, it is an experience that is forever remembered because of how it impacts our senses.
Does that remind you of a conference, trade show, or convention? It should.
As the demands are increasing to create unique experiences at meetings, planners must become artists. Events have the same ability to impact the senses and inspire people to challenge how they think about issues. Everyone in the meetings industry thus must work together as part of an ensemble cast.
No more should a conference be a collection of independent organizers, volunteers, hotel staffers, waiters, transportation coordinators, speakers, panelists, musical entertainment, etc. … Instead, everyone must understand that they are part of a highly interactive production.
Every employee at a Disney theme park is a “Cast Member,” and the person who picks up trash is highly aware of their importance to the overall experience, equal to those who play a character.
To create a culture of “performance art” in the planning of a conference, trade show or other business gathering there must be an open discussion of the impact that each player has on the greater show.
The venue (and all their employees) and the length of the event are material. The designs of online and printed materials connect the senses. The order of appearance of those who take the stage (MC, speakers, executives who address the audience, etc) and how they interact with the audience before, during and after their presentations has a material impact.
When and how the meals are served (and what is on the menu) has an effect. The thoughtful creation of the networking opportunities and social aspects are more than having coffee, donuts or beer in a foyer. Entertainment and music should not be randomly selected. None of these things should happen in a vacuum.
Great performance art can have a sophisticated and poetic aura. Lame attempts are just that … lame. The same is true for the coordination of a conference. Humans are experiential beings and when an event becomes an experience it is forever elevated. Artists who can touch the inner levels of an audience’s soul (in art or meeting planning) are deservingly celebrated.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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